Wednesday, March 5, 2008

In Real Life, Vladimir Rakosi (rez: 8/18/2006) is an American inventor. Back in 2001, he created communication robots that were kiosks used in stores and banks. The robots talked about products, provided directions and pre-programmed messages. They moved their heads, mouths and arms, but were stationary.

In Second Life, Vladimir and his wife Vrinda Rakosi (rez: 8/20/2006) have created the Avatar Blanks Factory (teleport directly from here), where... for nothing more than a few minutes of your time, you can be automatically turned into a blank robot. On paper that doesn't sound all that appealing, does it? I didn't think so either until I tried the experience, and I'm here to report that it's quite amusing.

The Xntra sim is not yet complete, but it already features the Balloon Factory (high above), in addition to the Avatar Blanks Factory. Approach the turnstile...

Follow the instructions before you go in any further...

Hop on the conveyer belt, and off you go!

The machines in the back room are whirring...

... and soon enough, you can say goodbye to your old self.

I won't spoil your fun by telling you what happens next, but in seconds, you are... decidedly different.

It doesn't end there. You still have to get colorized and networked. Said Vrinda Rokosi, "Once completed, and with a touch to your head (I'll keep the puns here to myself), you can change your Blank Avatar's color, expression, sounds, animations."

Bettina Tizzy: You can ask for tips!

Vrinda Rakosi: Yes, it has a programmed tip hand, so if Blanks are helping people they can show their tip hand.

Bettina Tizzy: And blanks can find other blanks?

Vrinda Rakosi: Oh yeah. We also have Security Blanks. There is a security button to call for help, and Security Blanks come with a HUD, a hover craft vehicle with sounds, flight, and back up rider to come to the rescue of Blanks needing help. Blanks can also chat on a private channel with other blanks.

You can customize your blank with a number of items for sale - or free - in the Upgrade Area, too, and Vladimir encourages you to create new items for your fellow blanks.

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